Project Description
Dr. Theodore Lazzaro of Aestique® Medical Center is proud of his reputation as leading Pittsburgh breast augmentation surgeons. Over the years, they have helped many women enhance their appearance and self-confidence by performing breast augmentation in Greensburg, Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. At his spacious, elegantly appointed facility, all patients are treated with the utmost respect and dedication – an approach that reduces their anxiety and promotes highly rewarding aesthetic results. Please explore the paragraphs below to learn more about breast augmentation and how this procedure can help you realize your aesthetic goals.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation (enhancement) is an out-patient procedure offered at Aestique® Medical Center that can increase your bust line by one or more sizes. By surgically inserting breast implants beneath the breast tissue or the chest muscle during breast augmentation, women can achieve larger, shapelier breasts. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and generally is completed in one hour.
Breast Augmentation Considerations
Breast augmentation can dramatically or modestly improve a woman’s breasts depending on her desires. During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Lazzaro will review all of your options for achieving your ideal breast appearance. Some of those options include:
Proper determination of size is truly an art and a science. The goal is to create a natural and alluring look. Placing implants that are too large for the intended body size are fraught with greater chances of capsular contracture, discomfort and longer recovery times. Significant time is spent with patients during their consultations to determine their desired size. Numerous pre-and post-operative photos of other patients are reviewed to help determine the desired cleavage and projection the patient desires. The proper sized implants are then placed into the patient’s bra with overlying tank top or t-shirt to preview their silhouette in clothing. This helps the patient envision how they will look post-operatively. This procedure is always met with the highest percentage of patient satisfaction.
Implants come in two basic shapes, round and or teardrop-shaped. Round implants are more commonly used, and with the proper surgical technique, produce a very natural-looking result. Tear-drop shaped implants were designed to create a natural-looking breast with a sloping chest wall and more fullness at the bottom.
For women younger than 22 years old, saline-filled implants are the only commercially available option for cosmetic breast augmentation. Although, silicone can be used in this age group for specific circumstances. Some women choose saline because they’re comfortable with the harmless saltwater solution. And since saline implants are filled after insertion, incisions can be slightly smaller than those for silicone implants. However, at Aestique Plastic Surgery and worldwide, silicone breast implants are preferred for the more natural look and feel they produce. Saline-filled implants are more often associated with rippling, “sloshing” and a higher degree of visibility. They also have a higher deflation rate, which creates the need for an additional operation to replace them.
Silicone breast implants are preferred worldwide by patients and surgeons alike. Silicone implants produce a look and feel that more closely resembles natural breast tissue. Today’s silicone gel (fourth generation) is semi-firm to the touch, yet it also gives and feels pliant.
Fat – New onto the scene is utilizing your own fat for breast enhancement. Most studies thus far have been for breast reconstruction but it is becoming more popular for smaller augmentations and to give more fullness around existing implants. We are watching this exciting option closely as it continues to evolve.
The surgical method used for breast enhancement depends on your unique needs and cosmetic goals. Usually, incisions are made in the fold beneath the breast (inframammary fold). Through the incision, a pocket is created by lifting the skin, breast tissue and muscle to insert the implant and center it beneath the nipple. Often incisions through the nipple or at the umbilicus are not preferred because the pocket placement is not as precise.
A benefit of having the implant placed beneath the chest muscles, instead of the breast tissue alone, is that the chances of capsular contracture are reduced, and the breast implant is less likely to interfere with mammograms. Internal absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions, which eliminates the need for stitch removal. Drainage tubes are not utilized.
How do I plan for breast augmentation surgery?
During your initial breast augmentation (enhancement) consultation at our office in Greensburg or in Shadyside, you should be frank about your expectations so that your Pittsburgh breast augmentation surgeon can discern the best way to meet your cosmetic goals. In order to ensure the best treatment possible, you should also inform Dr. Lazzaro about your general health, smoking habits, and any medications you take. At that time, the doctors will fully discuss your breast enhancement implant size and choice of anesthesia. Costs of breast augmentation surgery at Aestique® Medical Center will be discussed by our patient coordinators at the time of your consultation.
Dr. Lazzaro will inform you about surgery preparations, including the details of eating, drinking, smoking, and the taking or avoiding of certain vitamins and medicines. All pre-operative and post-operative instructions will be thoroughly explained and documented to help insure satisfactory results.
How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Lazzaro will give you specific guidelines to follow during your recovery based on your personal needs. In general, you can expect to return to your usual routine after a few days, but you should avoid excessive lifting to minimize tension on incision lines, thereby ensuring minimal scar lines. Sensitivity may be heightened or diminished, but these changes will usually disappear over time.
Scars usually stay firm and pink for at least six weeks and will begin to fade after several months, taking on a flesh tone by 6 to 9 months post operatively.
Following breast augmentation surgery, routine mammograms should continue as normal. Our patients are advised to visit a center that can reliably x-ray breasts that have been augmented with implants. These views are called Ecklund or Implant views and require less compression.
What happens after the breast augmentation procedure?
Tiredness and mild soreness following breast augmentation surgery are common. Medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort. After breast enhancement surgery you may feel a burning sensation in your nipples, but this will fade after about two weeks. We will request that you remain in a support bra with no underwire for approximately four to six weeks. Breast swelling is usually resolved in 2 weeks but may take up to five weeks to subside. We are available 24/7 following your breast enhancement surgery to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.
Are there any risks involved with breast implants?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Dr. Lazzaro takes many precautions to minimize those risks. Some of the potential risks are capsular contracture (a tightening of the scar tissue around the implant) implant leakage or rupture, bleeding or infection. Breast function is not altered for many patients. Your surgeon will discuss in detail all risks during your consultation.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?
Any physically fit and healthy woman, who wants to increase the size of her breasts, and has realistic expectations about the results achieved through breast enhancement, will make a good breast augmentation candidate. The best way to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for breast augmentation is to meet with our board certified plastic surgeon. Ages vary from the 18 year old to 70+ women.
*Elective cosmetic procedure results vary. Surgical outcomes are unique to each individual and providers offer no guarantees regarding results.
Frequently Asked Questions from Breast Augmentation Patients:
Will I have to do dressings to my incisions?
No. Dr. Lazzaro uses steri strips, sterile gauze and paper tape over the incisions and it is to be left in place until your first post operative visit. Do not remove them yourself or get them wet, as this would turn into a perfect environment for infection. You may sponge bathe the day after your surgical procedure using caution around the surgical site. You will be able to fully shower, getting the incisions wet, after your first post operative visit as long as Dr. Lazzaro and/or his nurse gives the okay.
When do the stitches come out?
Dr. Lazzaro uses both external and internal stitches that will help hold everything in place while your body heals. The external sutures are generally removed in 5-7 days after your surgery by the nurse where the internal sutures will dissolve over time. On occasion, your body may react to a suture and push the suture to the surface of the skin. This is not uncommon and is no reason for concern. You can call and we will have you come in and the nurse can remove the suture at your convenience.
Can you recommend a good post op bra? How long do I have to wear it?
You will leave the surgery center in a post operative surgical garment. These are specifically designed to help you heal so you want to wear these non-stop until your first post op appointment. It is essential that you do not remove this prior to your appointment. After this, you can wear a front closure sports bra that fits snuggly. After approximately 6 weeks, Dr Lazzaro recommends that you can begin to transition into a “normal” bra. Underwire can be worn at the 6 week mark to actually support the implants and we highly recommend this. Amazon has great front zip post op bras that are very comfortable. The brand many of our patients have used and love is WANAYOU.
Do I have to stop taking birth control before surgery?
We do recommend stopping the use of birth control two weeks prior to surgery if you take an oral pill, if you are a current smoker or have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure or heart disease. The team will review your medical history with you prior to your surgery and give you specific instructions for all of your medications.
When can I work out again?
You want to minimize any activity that may raise your blood pressure because this will increase swelling and discomfort for the first week. Light walking is permitted. At 2 weeks, you can do very light cardio such as a stationary bike as long as you are not using your arms to push on the handle bars. At 4 weeks, you can resume lower body workouts without any weight. At 6 weeks, you can resume all normal activities. Avoid doing any type of chest exercises including push ups and bench pressing. These types of activities activate the pectoral muscle, pressing the implant down and can actually contribute to the implant bottoming out.
When can I have sex after my augmentation?
Dr. Lazzaro recommends waiting at least 4-6 weeks to resume sexual relations. Again, you want to avoid activities that will increase your blood pressure.
When can I stop sleeping on my back?
Dr Lazzaro recommends that you sleep only on your back for the first week. Sleeping elevated with an extra pillow will also allow the swelling to subside. After your first post operative visit, once things are healing satisfactorily, we can allow you to sleep on your side with a pillow to support your breasts.
When can I schedule my mammogram after an augmentation?
Dr. Lazzaro recommends waiting until 6 months post op for this to be performed. Be sure to notify your mammographer that you have implants.
When can I go back to chiropractic adjustments?
General rule of thumb is 6 weeks for chiropractic treatments post operatively and up to 6 months to lay on your chest to receive treatment. But you should definitely make your Chiropractor aware of your implants so they can take extra precautions.
When can I use a tanning bed?
We do not recommend the use of tanning beds due to the very high risk of skin cancer associated with them as well as aging your skin more rapidly. However, you can enjoy tanning 2 weeks after your surgical procedure. At this point your incisions should be well healed but always check with your team prior to. We recommend covering your incisions to avoid any discoloration or keloid scarring.
Why do I have shooting pains every now and then?
It is normal to experience shooting pain or a burning sensation occasionally after your surgery. Most describe it as a quick “zing” on one side which lasts for only a few seconds. This is because the nerves in the breast are stretched during surgery and afterwards when the breasts are swollen. This sensation is the nerves regenerating. You can take an anti-inflammatory medication to help if needed.
Should I wait until I am done having kids to have an augmentation?
Dr. Lazzaro usually recommends waiting until after you finishing having children before having a breast augmentation but that is only because your breasts can become very engorged during and after pregnancy which can cause your skin to stretch, leaving your breasts sagging after the fact. It, of course, is not necessary though. If you do have an augmentation and become pregnant, you can still breast feed. Breast implants do not impede this.
Will I need additional surgeries?
Breast implant manufacturers generally state that the implants last about 10-15 years. At that time, it is recommend that you have them removed or replaced.
There are some occasions where your body may react to the implants after surgery and forms a hard capsule around them. This is called capsular contracture and requires the implants to be removed or replaced.
Before and After
This 32 year old wore a 32A and wanted to be a full C. Dr Lazzaro performed a breast augmentation using a 425cc smooth wall moderate plus gel implant on the right and 400cc on the left for symmetry.
AGE 32 HEIGHT 5’ 3” WEIGHT 97
PROCEDURES Breast Augmentation
This 26 year old active nurse wore a 32A and wanted to be a full C. Dr Lazzaro performed a breast augmentation using a 400cc round high profile implant on the right and 375cc on the left for symmetry.
AGE 26 HEIGHT 5’ 4” WEIGHT 115
PROCEDURES Breast Augmentation
This 23 year old wanted to be a full C or low D. Dr Lazzaro performed a breast augmentation using a 450cc high profile implant on the right and 400cc on the left for symmetry.
AGE 23 HEIGHT 5’ 4” WEIGHT 117
PROCEDURES Breast Augmentation
